Australia commits more funds to curb Ebola spread

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from AUGUSTINE OSAYANDE in Abuja, NigeriaABUJA – AUSTRALIA has allocated $1 million to the World Health Organization (WHO) to help control the outbreak of Ebola in West Africa and prevent further spread of the disease.

This was disclosed in a press statement obtained from the country Embassy
in Abuja on Monday.

According to the statement, Australia’s contribution will help WHO to
provide immediate support to affected West African countries, including
the provision of urgently needed medical supplies and equipment.

“This assistance is in addition to the more than $20 million Australia
will contribute to the WHO in 2014 and 2015. Australia also provides $20
million annually to support WHO’s global health activities, including to
respond to disease threats,” read a statement.

It added that the country’s funding to the Red Cross had also enabled them
to support response efforts.

The Embassy stated there had been no cases of Ebola in Australia and the
risk of an outbreak in remained low.

“Australia’s current border protection and infection control measures are
consistent with WHO’s recommendations for countries not affected by the
outbreak.

“Measures undertaken by the Australian Government include increased messaging at major Australian international airports to raise awareness of the symptoms of Ebola, and checking the health of people travelling from affected countries in West Africa.”

The country meanwhile advised its citizens to reconsider their need to
travel to some affected countries.

“We strongly advise Australians to reconsider their need to travel to
Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea and to leave these countries while
commercial means are still available.”

– CAJ News

Short URL: http://cajnewsafrica.com/?p=1206

Posted by Admin
on Aug 25 2014. Filed under Africa & World, Featured, News.
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